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Founded on the concept of parens patriae,' the juvenile court system has traditionally been allowed wide latitude to intervene in the lives of youths, ostensibly in their "best interests." For most of its existence, the juvenile court has sanctioned juveniles who have run away from home, disobeyed their parents, or engaged in other status offenses2 in much the same manner as juveniles charged with committing serious crimes.3 In recent years, disillusionment with the policies and practices of the juvenile court has become widespread, precipitating a major controversy over the power and jurisdiction of the court.4 In turn, this controversy has become enmeshed in the broader and more complex issue of the legal status